by Mathias Hariyadi

The heavy rains of recent days have caused rivers to overflow. City of Manado and six districts of the province of North Sulawesi worst hit. The toll is provisional and likely to increase. Several churches flooded. Catholics have set up emergency shelters and provide food and shelter for victims.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) - At least 13 people have died and over 40 thousand have been displaced so far by floods and landslides that have struck the island of Sulawesi, in the northern part of the Indonesian archipelago . The heavy rains have raised rivers that burst their banks and flooded large areas of the city of Manado and surrounding area, destroying homes and sweeping away cars and motorcycles. Tens of thousands of people have fled the area and sought refuge in safer places, the authorities have set up several centers to accommodate the refugees , with no home or food available. At least a thousand homes are under water. Catholics are also in the frontline of rescue efforts and have opened the churches that are still viable to provide a temporary shelter .

Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, a spokesman for the Indonesian Civil Protection, has termed the floods that have hit the country as 'massive', he adds that the heavy rains have caused numerous landslides in mountainous areas . Officials of the province of North Sulawesi confirm that the number of victims is likely to increase, because " we expect even more water in the next two or three days." The greatest damage is concentrated around the city of Manado , capital of North Sulawesi , however, major difficulties have also been reported in six different districts of the province . Five victims were registered in Manado, likewise in Tomohon and the other three in the district of Minahasa .

Speaking to AsiaNews, Fr . Markus Marlon, a pastor in Manado, reports that at least 12 churches in the area are invaded by water. These include the parishes of Raja Damai, Ignatius, Perkamil, Tuminting, Kleak, Rike, Karombasan, Kembes, Tanawangko, Mokupa . "The number could rise - he adds - but at the moment it is not possible to have more information". The diocese has set up an emergency center, managed and run by Fr. Joy Derry. The bishop has made available some structures, including "field kitchens" , to ensure food and basic first comfort to the victims gathered at the shelters of the De La Salle, LSY Komo and Perkamil Church.

In Indonesia, the most populous Muslim country in the world, Catholics are a small minority of about 7 million people, equivalent to 3% of the total population. In the Archdiocese of Jakarta, the faithful amount to 3.6% of the population. The constitution provides for freedom of religion, but the community is often the victim of acts of violence and abuse, especially in areas where an extremist view of Islam is more entrenched, as in Aceh. However, as in this instance, they are an active part in society and contribute to the development of the nation or aid work during emergencies.

 

• INDONESIA
• sulawesi
• floods
• landslides
• relief
• efforts
• catholics